​Irwin Altman Middle School 172

News & Announcements

• Our School is Implementing MindUP, an Evidence-Based Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Program

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of our Principal Dr. DeSimone and our 8th Grade AP Ms. Devine:

   

  Dear Parents and Guardians,

  We are thrilled to share that our school is implementing MindUP, an evidence-based social-emotional learning (SEL) program developed by The Goldie Hawn Foundation. For over 20 years, MindUP has helped millions of children worldwide develop the mental fitness tools they need to thrive in school and in life.

  What is MindUP? MindUP is a preventative mental health curriculum grounded in neuroscience, positive psychology, mindful awareness, and social-emotional learning. It teaches children practical strategies to:

  • Better understand how their brains work (especially emotions and focus)

     

  • Practice mindful breathing and short “Brain Breaks” to calm down, reduce stress, and

    regain focus

     

  • Build resilience, optimism, empathy, and kindness

  • Strengthen self-regulation, attention, and positive relationships.

   

  Please read the attached document for further important information regarding MindUP.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

   

  • MindUp Family Letter January 2026 docx.pdf

  MS172Q

• Free Game Jam for All Grades

  Game Jam for Grades 7 & 8                The Games for Change Student Challenge (After School)
  I'm hosting a Games for Change (G4C) Game Jam on Thursday, January 22, Thursday, January 29, Thursday, February 5, Thursday, February 12, Thursday, February 26, Thursday, March 5, Thursday, March 19, Thursday, March 26   from 2:20 to 3:40 and wanted to invite you to participate! You will be creating educational games at these 8 sessions to be submitted for an international contest. The first 34 students who sign up for this Game Jam will be notified by email. You will then be sent a permission slip that must be signed by your parents. There is no charge for these sessions. These sessions will be held in room 234.
  If you are interested in attending this Game Jam, you must submit the form below by Monday, January 19th. This entry will close after that date.

  Please fill out the attached form!
  Thank you for participating in this wonderful Game Jam!!
  Mrs. Sohn

  Please fill out this form

  MS172Q

• Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Practice: The Irwin Altman Middle School CBT Simulation will take place on Monday, February 2nd, 2026

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of our Principal Dr. DeSimone:

   

  Dear Parent/Guardian,

  Each spring, students take the computer-based English Language Arts(ELA) and Mathematics tests in grades 3-8 and the Science tests in grades 5 and 8. These tests are used to measure how well students perform on New York's Next Generation Learning Standards in ELA, Math, and Science.

  Please note the following:

  Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Practice: The Irwin Altman Middle School CBT Simulation will take place on Monday, February 2nd, 2026. Before the actual test is given, your child will have a chance to practice taking the test on a device while in school. This will help your child become familiar with the online testing format.

   

  Please see attached document for a link to review and practice using the online Question Sampler. Please read the attached document for further important information.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week arts program for 7th Grade Students August 3 – August 14, 2026

  Middle School Arts Audition Boot Camp is a free, two-week arts program for New York City Public Schools students entering 8^th grade in September 2026. The program includes one weekend in the fall for follow-up sessions before high school auditions begin.

   

  Students can audition for ONE of the five studios:

  • Dance
  • Instrumental Music
  • Theater
  • Vocal Music
  • Visual Art

  Participants will receive individual and small-group instruction focused on preparing audition materials and portfolios. The program also offers a variety of enrichment experiences, which may include attending an open rehearsal, art exhibits, masterclasses, museum visits, a Broadway show, and participating in mock auditions.

   

  Program Dates:
  August 3 – August 14, 2026
  Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  Location: Lincoln Center campus

  Application Deadline: April 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM

   

  • MS Boot Camp 2026 Flyer Application.pdf

  MS172Q

• Bake Sale Friday, January 16th

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of the PTA:

   

  The PTA will be holding a Bake Sale this Friday, January 16th during students' lunch periods. Donation of baked goods and parent volunteers needed.

  Please send donations in the morning with your child for a ticket to a sale item.

  If you are interested in volunteering for The Bake Sale, the times are from 10am-12:45pm.

  Please email the PTA at pta.ms172@gmail.com or the parent coordinator at ageliga@schools.nyc.gov

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• This is a friendly reminder: Cell Phone Policy

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

  This is a friendly reminder:

   

  On Behalf of our Principal, Dr. DeSimone:

   

  Dear MS 172 Families and Students,

   

  I hope you and your families had a safe, healthy, and enjoyable holiday season, and I wish you all a Happy New Year!

   

  I am writing to ask for your continued partnership in supporting our school’s cell phone and personal device policy, which has been in effect since September. As a reminder, all students are required to use their school-issued cell phone pouch every day. Each morning, students should place their cell phone (and any other personal internet-enabled devices) in the pouch upon arrival to school. The pouch must remain sealed and stored in the student’s backpack for the entire school day and may only be opened once the student exits the school building at dismissal. We are asking families to please check in with your child to ensure they still have their cell phone pouch and are using it daily. This protocol is in place in accordance with guidance from the Superintendent’s Office and New York State Law, and it is essential to maintaining a focused, safe, and distraction-free learning environment. Please note that during the month of January, the school will be conducting cell phone pouch checks to ensure that all students have their pouches and are following the established procedures. If a student has misplaced or lost their pouch, a replacement pouch may be purchased for $10 in the Main Office. Students who do not have a pouch will be required to obtain a replacement in order to bring a cell phone or personal device into school. For your reference, I have attached our Cell Phone and Device Policy from the Student Handbook, which outlines expectations, procedures, and consequences in detail.

   

  Thank you for your support and cooperation as we work together to provide the best possible learning environment for all students. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have any questions.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Dr. Paul J. DeSimone

  Principal

  Irwin Altman Middle School 172

   

   

  Please refer to pages 20-21 of attached Student Handbook for further details on The Cell Phone Policy.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Message from District 26 Superintendent Anthony M. Inzerillo

  Dear District 26 School Community,

  Please take a few moments to read the attached letter and watch the accompanying video here. Together, they provide important updates on our district’s work, priorities, and the shared commitment that continues to guide us as we support our students, families, and staff.  Staying informed and connected to this work strengthens our collective efforts and reinforces the strong partnership that defines District 26.

  Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

  Anthony M. Inzerillo

  Superintendent

  Community School District 26

  51-60 Marathon Parkway

  Little Neck, NY 11362

  (718) 631-6943 (Office)

  (718) 631-6996 (Fax)

  www.district-26.org

  Follow us on X @D26Team

  • Community Letter 01-05-2026-compressed.pdf

  MS172Q

• Get Free Trees at Glen Oaks Library!

  Good afternoon Irwin Altman Middle Families,

   

  On Behalf of The PTA:

  Get Free Trees at Glen Oaks Library! Glen Oaks Library is partnering with Neighborhood Forest to give children in our community a free tree to plant at home during Earth Week!

  Please see attached for further details.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  MS172Q

• Message From Our New Schools Chancellor, Kamar H. Samuels

  Good Morning Irwin Altman Middle Schools 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of The Chancellor's Office:

   

  Please see attached for a letter from our Chancellor and some things that are happening in our schools, for 2026.

   

  Audrey Geliga

  Parent Coordinator, Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  • january-2026-nycps-family-update.pdf
  • january-2026-partnering-with-you.pdf

  MS172Q

• Supporting Our School's Cell Phone and Personal Device Policy

  Good Afternoon Irwin Altman Middle School 172 Families,

   

  On Behalf of our Principal, Dr. DeSimone:

   

  Dear MS 172 Families and Students,

   

  I hope you and your families had a safe, healthy, and enjoyable holiday season, and I wish you all a Happy New Year!

   

  I am writing to ask for your continued partnership in supporting our school’s cell phone and personal device policy, which has been in effect since September. As a reminder, all students are required to use their school-issued cell phone pouch every day. Each morning, students should place their cell phone (and any other personal internet-enabled devices) in the pouch upon arrival to school. The pouch must remain sealed and stored in the student’s backpack for the entire school day and may only be opened once the student exits the school building at dismissal. We are asking families to please check in with your child to ensure they still have their cell phone pouch and are using it daily. This protocol is in place in accordance with guidance from the Superintendent’s Office and New York State Law, and it is essential to maintaining a focused, safe, and distraction-free learning environment. Please note that during the month of January, the school will be conducting cell phone pouch checks to ensure that all students have their pouches and are following the established procedures. If a student has misplaced or lost their pouch, a replacement pouch may be purchased for $10 in the Main Office. Students who do not have a pouch will be required to obtain a replacement in order to bring a cell phone or personal device into school. For your reference, I have attached our Cell Phone and Device Policy from the Student Handbook, which outlines expectations, procedures, and consequences in detail.

   

  Thank you for your support and cooperation as we work together to provide the best possible learning environment for all students. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have any questions.

   

  Sincerely,

   

  Dr. Paul J. DeSimone

  Principal

  Irwin Altman Middle School 172

  81-14 257 Street

   

  Please refer to pages 20-21 of attached Student Handbook for further details on The Cell Phone Policy.

   

  MS172Q